Monday, February 4, 2013

Do you all mix it up with your lamps and shades?
Kind of like making new outfits with what you already have in your closet.

First, I forgot to tell you about the new lamps in the dining room, I found them on clearance
at HomeGoods, $40 each. I had been looking since I started working on the dresser and
they were exactly what I had in mind, black shades and a little bling. They were just marking
them down, and I couldn't get them in my cart fast enough.

That left this lone lamp that I love, I bought it from a garage sale a few years ago.
I struck up a conversation with the nicest elderly couple and they invited me in, their home
was filled with a collection of beautiful artwork and unique pieces from their travels. I noticed
the lamp and admired it, they offered to sell it for $35. I love it because it gives my room that 'collected' feel that I immediately sensed in their home. It is huge 48" tall, I like the added
texture of the carved base and how it fills this corner in the living room.

Onto the kitchen...one of my goals on the 2013 to-do list is to add some modern elements
to our kitchen. I thought I'd 'shop my house' by mixing and matching some lamp bases
and shades to see if I could come up with anything fresh...here's how it went down.

Original traditional look I'm tired of...

$5 Thrift store shade on same candlestick base

Modern base w/ thrift store shade

Modern base w/drum shade (pattern would need to change)

Modern base, black shade

Tall candlestick base w/ rectangle shade

Tall candlestick base w/ black drum shade

$7 Thrift store ginger jar base w/ rectangle shade

I don't think any of these are quite the look I'm after, but I do like a few of them
better than my original.

28
comments:

I love that story of how you befriended that couple and they invited you in....I can just imagine that with your sweet self in the picture! I like that white wavy lamp. Definitely is less traditional. Fun to see all these different options!

What a find that lamp in your LR is, a great story too! I have been on a lamp mission at my house too, I am tired of the lamps in my LR, so maybe a change of shades is just what the DR. ordered. Can't wait to see what you do in your kitchen and for the one room challenge! Will your MBR be recieving some tlc???!!!

I agree, changing lampshades is the easiest way to keep our traditional home current. Every one of your shades is the correct proportion to the lamp, it usually takes me a lot of switching of harps and shades to get it right. Love the clever Pinterest hovering P thingy!

Love to shop my house.. and that modern base with the circular swirl shade gets my vote. I like a chunky base on the lamp there. I know that elderly couple loved meeting you too and that you found a great home for one of their pieces.. wonderful story.xo NancyPowellbrowerhome.com

I just switched some shades around a few weeks ago...makes a whole new look! Did you try the black shade on the ginger jar lamp? I really like that swirly modern drum shade on the candlestick base with the colors in yours kitchen...but maybe paint the base? Just thinking...you've got several good options!

I really like the modern base....but...after all that switching how many light bulbs were just laying around your house from unscrewing them all? Or do you have that many lamp shades hanging around? I think I have 3 lamp shades total in my whole house, so I would fail miserably at this activity ;) Fun to see what a difference it can make though.

I love that you have so many options just laying around your house. And, you get the thrifter of the year award..."Umm, I don't see anything out here, but can I go through your house, please?" ;) Too funny!

How fun! We have a tiny stash of shades and lamp bases that I keep in my walk-in closet (its the only storage available and I could never fill it with clothes, ha ha!) I did this for Christmas and need to do it again in our living room. I love the $5 swirly thrift store shade on the original base. It adds a definite hint of modern were as some of the others give a definite traditional vibe. This coming from the girl with a blue rubber tote filled with jars in her living room, :) can you say project in process?! :) Have fun!!

Ug. I have 3 great lamps, all thrifted finds, but finding shades that do them justice has been tough. They're all vintage, a Murano glass and a pair of MCM brass & walnut base, so the shades are key...

I don't have very many lamps - none in our living space! I did have when we were first married as that was the only light we had - and they were plugged in with extension cords that ran into the other room. Since I have ceiling lights I put the lamps away. I think I got so sick of them being my only source of light I can't bear to use them now!

How wonderful that the couple invited you in and you were fortunate to get that gorgeous lamp! I just love tall lamps. Funny that you mention this subject ~ I think I have a lamp addiction and I've been trying different looks too. :)

Post a Comment

Hi, I’m Pam…living a simple, but active life in Denver. My newest challenge is delving into the world of blogging to share the details of creating a stylish, yet comfortable home for our family. Using my latest garage sale or Craigslist finds puts a smile on my face!